January 5th was National Bird Day. I have been a bit obsessed with these feathered flyers for several years now, so I hope you don’t mind if I extend the celebration and share a bird poem or two today.
“Words are Birds”
by Francisco X. Alarcón
words
are birds
that arrive
with books
and spring
they
love
clouds
the wind
and trees
some words
are messengers
that come
from far away
from distant lands
for them
there are
no borders
only stars
moon and sun
Read the rest of the poem here.
Alarcón’s poem and these little birds inspired this #haikuforhealing:
white-rumped munia:
poem perched on a puddle’s rim
birds are words
© Catherine Flynn, 2017
Please be sure to visit Linda Baie at Teacher Dance for the first Poetry Friday Roundup of 2017!
Reading to the Core 
I love this extended metaphor and your haiku response.
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Such beautiful words 🙂 Thanks.
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Right up my alley! Loved the haiku. 😀
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I share your love of birds! There’s a bird sanctuary about andhour from my home, and I just love being able to stroll around and visit with whatever birds are there in the different seasons. There’s always something new to see!
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I love that haiku, Catherine. Much of the beauty of the previous poem distilled to perfection. And the photo! Love it.
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I love them too, and Alarcon’s metaphor, then your own response, Catherine. That bird is new to me! Have a wonderful day!
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Love the elegance of your haiku, Catherine.
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I love the idea of words as birds. It seems fitting–and I love watching both words and birds take flight.
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Birds — what a wonderful obsession to have 🙂 Love your middle line especially… a poem perch is a wonderful notion.
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Catherine, this poem and your haiku are paired beautifully. I must admit that I did not know what a munia is so thanks for broadening my knowledge and love of words. Alliteration is strong in your haiku.
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I have loved reading your daily #commonplacemarvels. This one is exquisite.
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I just love “poem perched on a puddle’s rim”!
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Wonderful inspiration for your haiku. That poem is new to me…and a keeper! Happy New Year! it’s really fun writing with you.
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We ARE on the same wavelength, Catherine, and I didn’t even know about National Bird Day! Thanks for sharing the Alarcón poem, which rings bells – I think I read it long ago but had “misplaced” it, and for sharing your “poem perched on a puddle’s rim” as well. Happy New Year!
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